Microsoft in talks with UAE regulator to lift Skype ban: report

Microsoft is in talks with UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to lift the ban on Skype, Gulf news reported, citing a Microsoft spokesperson.

The move is anticipated after Microsoft opens two data centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi early next year.

 “We have been working closely with the local authorities towards gaining a better understanding of the local requirements in an effort to get Skype unblocked. We are passionate about the benefits that Skype offers to our users around the world by facilitating communication and enabling collaboration,” he said.

Currently, as part of Microsoft Office 365, Skype’s text chat feature is available for businesses.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises will benefit the most from the move, as big businesses have their own VPNs to access Skype video and voice calls in the UAE, Sukhdev Singh, executive director of market research and advisory firm Kantar TNS said.

TRA has blocked all video and voice call services, including Google’s Duo, Apple’s FaceTime and WhatsApp’s video and voice calling feature, saying that companies wishing to offer such services must coordinate with the licensed telecom providers in the UAE.